Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson forced to confirm his commitment after being caught up in Eddie Jones type scandal involving alleged interview with a rival nation

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has been forced to confirm his commitment to the national team as rumours swirl he recently interviewed for Sweden’s men’s team head coaching role.

In a statement, Gustavsson said he remains ‘fully focused’ on helping Australia qualify for the Paris Olympics.

But the man who guided the Matildas to the semi-finals of the World Cup on home soil earlier this year didn’t deny reports he is poised to replace outgoing Sweden coach Janne Andersson.

‘Our team’s journey towards this goal is my primary focus and commitment.’

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has been forced to confirm his commitment to the national team as rumours swirl he recently interviewed for Sweden’s men’s team head coaching role

Tony Gustavsson (pictured, with Matildas skipper Sam Kerr) is contracted with Football Australia until the Paris 2024 Olympics

A Swedish media report named BK Hacken boss Per-Mathias Høgmo and IF Elfsborg manager Jimmy Thelin as the other two main candidates.

It is understood the Swedish FA want to announce Andersson’s successor before January.

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The speculation has seen Gustavvson compared to Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, who denied reports he spoke with Japan on the eve of the Rugby World Cup in France, where Australia failed to progress beyond the group stage.

Gustavsson was previously linked to the vacant USA women’s position, which eventually was given to Chelsea women’s boss Emma Hayes.

‘Tony Gustavsson is currently under contract with Football Australia as the head coach of the Matildas, with his tenure extending until the Paris 2024 Olympics,’ Football Australia said in a statement.

‘Football Australia highly value his contributions to the team’s journey and achievements so far.

‘We are aware of speculations about Tony Gustavsson and the Swedish men’s national team. Football Australia, however, does not comment on speculative reports or our staff’s potential future engagements outside their current contracts.

‘Regarding the future of Tony’s contract post the Paris 2024 Olympics, discussions will be held at an appropriate time in the future, adhering to our standard procedures.

‘Football Australia’s immediate priority is the strategic preparation to qualify and participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics.’